Read Doug’s articles originally printed in The Jerusalem Post.
Profile Perspectives
Proper financial planning can change your relationship with money.
International Inheritance Headaches—and How to Avoid Them
A client in Israel called me, frustrated. His mother had passed away in the U.S., leaving him a substantial inheritance. But despite her detailed will, he couldn’t access the funds. The lawyer who drew up the will hadn’t anticipated cross-border issues, and the American documents didn’t align with Israeli requirements. Moreover,… Read more
Turn Your IRA Into an Investment Powerhouse
Many Americans living in Israel have an IRA tucked away—maybe from a former job in the U.S. or inherited from a parent. But too often, those accounts just sit there, ignored. It’s important to remember that an IRA isn’t just a container for retirement money—it’s a full-fledged investment account with real potential. … Read more
Don’t Let Aliya Derail Your Investments
A longtime reader called me recently, excited—but also a little panicked. After years of dreaming about aliya, he was finally making the move. But then came the big question:
“Doug, what do I do with my dollars? Should I move them all to Israel? Sell everything? What happens to my U.S…. Read more
How to Spot Companies that are Built to Last
Some companies seem unstoppable—until they aren’t. Blockbuster ruled movie rentals. Nokia dominated cell phones. Kodak was synonymous with photography. Then, almost overnight, they crumbled.
What separates the businesses that endure from those that fade away? It’s not just luck. It’s something Warren Buffett calls an economic moat—a powerful advantage that keeps competitors at bay and ensures long-term success. … Read more
Are You Prepared for a Rare Market Event?
Fear of missing out can be a powerful force in investing. Everyone hears stories of those who struck gold—buying Amazon or Microsoft for pennies—and wonders, why didn’t I see it? The reality? These big wins rarely come with flashing signs. They emerge in uncertain markets, when hesitation is high…. Read more
Why Sudden Market Swings are the New Normal
Imagine putting your money in a stock index like the S&P 500, thinking you’re spreading your investment across 500 companies. Makes sense, right? But here’s the kicker: over 30% of the index’s value is now tied up in just a handful of big tech stocks. That means if those tech giants turn south,… Read more
Who Should Set Financial Goals: You or Your Advisor?
Sometime clients ask me what their financial goals should be. I try to redirect them, saying, “Imagine you’re the captain of a ship, and your financial advisor is your first mate.” Then I salute them and say, “Captain, tell me our destination and I’ll work on navigating the waters.” Whether your goal is saving for retirement,… Read more
Crush Your Wealth Worries
Fear can paralyze us, especially when it comes to money. The fear of making a financial mistake—whether it’s saving too little for retirement, overspending on daily expenses, or choosing the wrong investment—often leads us to freeze and do nothing at all. While this hesitation may feel like a safe option in the moment,… Read more
How Successful Stocks Can Weaken Your Portfolio
Imagine a friend telling you his investment success story: he held a tech stock that skyrocketed, sold it, then paid to take his wife on their dream vacation. The allure of a single, successful stock can be irresistible. But before you put all your eggs in one basket, consider the risks that come with such a narrow focus. … Read more
Growth, Security, and Currency Risk: A Financial Playbook for Olim
When an American oleh met with me recently, he shared a concern I hear all the time: “How do I keep my U.S. investments safe in these unpredictable markets?” Like many olim, he wanted his portfolio to grow without being impacted by market movements…. Read more